Point of View

Heinlein writes from the omniscient narrator point of view and concentrates on two characters—Valentine Michael Smith and Jubal Harshaw. He allows for supporting characters' points of view as well, such as Gillian Boardman and Ben Caxton. He uses point of view to bring out various ideas through dialog and narrative that reveal the attitudes and feelings of the characters, while expounding through the omniscient narrator.

Michael sees the world as a confusing place during his development phase on Earth. He often needs to go into his dormant state to figure things out, but his goal is to become water brothers with as many people as he can.

Jubal sees the world as a nasty place full of dangerous or uninteresting people. He trusts few and admires fewer, but once on his good side he defends with vigor and relish against the nasty world.